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Why do cats eat grass?

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve no doubt spotted your cat munching down on a nice, juicy blade of grass or two when their out in the garden. Don’t be offended, it wasn’t because they didn’t like their dinner, or because they’re still hungry, eating grass actually has some handy health benefits for our feline friends.

While we don’t recommend dishing up a delicious bowl of fresh grass for your cat to munch on, as an occasional snack, it’s not too bad and does have some nutritional benefits. Folic acid, which is also found in their mother’s milk, is present in grass. This vitamin helps your cat to produce haemoglobin, which is the protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen around their body. A grassy snack can also provide a good dose of vitamins A, D and chlorophyll, all of which can boost their immune system and help prevent them from getting sick.

Another great benefit of eating grass is that it acts as a natural laxative to help your cat’s digestive system. All that licking and grooming can cause hairballs to form in their stomachs, causing discomfort and constipation, and grass can help move everything along. A cat may also use grass to self-medicate if they’ve swallowed something inedible like feathers or bones as it often causes vomiting after consumption.

If your cat is fond of grazing on garden grass, you should avoid using any chemical products to fertilise your lawn. There are also some fairly common plants that could poison your pets, so it’s a good idea to check if your garden contains any of those listed. If your cat appears to be eating excessive amounts of grass then you should take them to your veterinarian immediately as this could be a sign of a more serious, underlying digestive issue.